Marble shows its age more than most other stonework.
Shoes, furniture and other objects can literally grind small particles of dirt into marble. Even the dust in the air makes marble dull over time due to its high permeability. Whether you have a high- or low-traffic area, the loss of brilliance will happen and take its toll the marble's appearance. You'll definitely notice, and you can assume that others notice, too.
The crystals in its natural stone are what reflect the light so brilliantly, but they are delicate and not especially dense. Fractured crystals get clogged with sediments and make for a dull finish.
There are many forms of damage to marble:
stained marble, scratched marble, abraded marble, eroded marble, chipped marble, cracked marble, and the list goes on.
But before you even see the signs of wear on your natural stone floor, it is important to consult with a marble specialist about a maintenance plan for re-honing the surface. A well-honed surface is less prone to accumulating as many scratches and problems as a bumpy surface will lead to.
There are different processes, materials and equipment for honing marble involving abrasive stones and pads, depending on the type and extent of damage. Honing marble leaves a smooth, matte finish.
The next possible step after honing is polishing which leaves a higher shine, if desired. A high polish can show more grime, and thus require more maintenance, than a simply honed marble surface. Marble has the potential for varying degrees of shine which affect appearance, safety and cost; a marble professional can discuss your options with you.
Marble is a vulnerable surface, but its beauty and value make restoration worthwhile, and current procedures make it quite affordable.
Marble shows its age more than most other stonework.